Punk Culture

UK 1970s-80s

Photographs by Wayne Large

Wayne Large started his photographic journey in the 1970s, covering events as a regimental photographer in the Army. After leaving the forces, he became a freelance photographer for several years, undertaking editorial, portrait, event, social documentary, and scientific assignments. In his spare time, he documented the vibrant Punk Scene in his home city of Leicester and during his travels throughout the UK during the late 1970s and 1980s.

His work has been featured in several exhibitions and books over the years. BCA are pleased to showcase this series as part of our online collections, of which 20th-century subculture and youth culture play a significant part.

"In a world saturated with photographs of well-known faces and anonymous people in the street, I choose to focus my camera on ordinary people who have a story to tell and have meaningful interactions with those in my photographs. In this way, the photograph is only one part of the story, and the narrative behind it completes the picture."

- Wayne Large

Black & White Archive

"Anything was possible in those days; anyone could come up with an original idea for art, music, fashion, etc. The punk subculture gave everyone permission to be who they wanted; it imparted an everlasting attitude, a way of thinking, and a way of life that I still apply to my photography to this day."

- Wayne Large

No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.